Aseptic coupling devices

Abstract

An aseptic coupling arrangement can include a first coupling device and a second aseptic coupling device. In one embodiment, the first and second coupling devices are substantially similar, each having a main body defining a front face and a fluid passageway therethrough. A first connecting feature disposed on the main body of each coupling device may be provided for aligning and coupling the aseptic devices together. Each coupling device may also include a sealing member received in the main body and a membrane removably coupled to the main body front face to cover the sealing member. The first aseptic coupling device may also include a rotatable protective cover that is removably attached to the main body and connected to the membrane. In one embodiment, the removal of the protective covers away from two coupled main bodies, in a direction parallel to the front faces, causes removal of the membranes.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for forming a sterile connection, the method comprising:
 a. providing first and second aseptic coupling devices, the first aseptic coupling device having a first main body, the second aseptic coupling device having a second main body; 
 b. moving a first protective cover of the first aseptic coupling device to an open position to expose a first membrane covering at least a portion of a front face of the first aseptic coupling device; 
 c. moving a second protective cover of the second aseptic coupling device to an open position to expose a second membrane covering at least a portion of front face of the second aseptic coupling device; 
 d. connecting the first aseptic coupling device to the second aseptic coupling device; 
 e. connecting the first protective cover to the second protective cover; and 
 f. after connecting the first protective cover to the second protective cover, simultaneously removing the first and second membranes from contact with the first and second coupling devices to provide a sterile fluid passageway through the first and second coupling devices. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of removing the first and second membranes includes pulling the first and second covers in a direction parallel to the front faces of the first and second aseptic coupling devices. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second aseptic coupling devices are configured to align the front faces of each main body such that the front faces are parallel to each other. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first main body and the second main body have identical constructions. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second aseptic coupling devices are each provided with a visual indicator that is visible when the coupling devices are in an uncoupled state, and that is obscured from view when first and second connecting features of the first coupling device are fully engaged with respective first and second connecting features of the second coupling device. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the visual indicator is set back from a rear face of the main body of each of the first and second coupling devices. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of connecting the first aseptic coupling device to the second aseptic coupling device includes engaging a first connector of the first aseptic coupling device with a second connector of the second aseptic coupling device. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7 , wherein the step of connecting the first aseptic coupling device to the second aseptic coupling device further includes engaging a third connector of the first aseptic coupling device with a fourth connector of the second aseptic coupling device, wherein the first and fourth connectors are identically configured and the second and third connectors are identically configured. 
     
     
       9. A method for forming a sterile connection, the method comprising:
 a. providing first and second aseptic coupling devices, the first aseptic coupling device having a first main body, the second aseptic coupling device having a second main body; 
 b. moving a first protective cover of the first aseptic coupling device to an open position to expose a first membrane covering at least a portion of a front face of the first aseptic coupling device; 
 c. moving a second protective cover of the second aseptic coupling device to an open position to expose a second membrane covering at least a portion of front face of the second aseptic coupling device; 
 d. connecting the first aseptic coupling device to the second aseptic coupling device by engaging a first connector of the first aseptic coupling device with a second connector of the second aseptic coupling device; 
 e. connecting the first protective cover to the second protective cover prior to the step of detaching the first and second covers from the first and second coupling device main bodies; and 
 f. simultaneously removing the first and second membranes from contact with the first and second coupling devices to provide a sterile fluid passageway through the first and second coupling devices. 
 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the step of engaging a first connector to a second connector includes the second connector being formed as a female connector that receives the first connector formed as a male connector. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the step of connecting the first aseptic coupling device to the second aseptic coupling device further includes engaging a third connector of the first aseptic coupling device with a fourth connector of the second aseptic coupling device, wherein the first and fourth connectors are identically configured and the second and third connectors are identically configured.